161. DO YOU NEED JOB SECURITY? Proverbs 12:11

If you think the perfect life would be the one in which you don’t have to work, then think again. God created the Garden of Eden, then He created Adam, and told him his job was to take care of it. Why? Because work gives meaning and dignity to our lives. That’s why the Bible says, in the above Proverb “Those who work will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” Presuming you are not in the latter category, lets talk about how to have “Job Security” In 2023 the unemployment rate in New Zealand was 3.6 per cent just over (100,000) workers, with statistics like those it’s easy to see why so many of us live in fear of becoming unemployed. I believe the fear of loosing one’s job is rooted in the following core fears. Lack; “How will I meet my obligations?” Inadequacy, “I’m not good enough.” Helplessness; “What do I do now?” Loneliness; “I’ll be isolated from my social network.” For some the shame and humiliation of losing a job is as devastating as the loss of income. Fretting about being fired can become a self-fulfilling prophecy because the anxiety of the situation makes you less efficient and less effective. If you live with the constant fear of losing your job, it’s time to stop worrying and start a strategy that will enhance your position on the job; or, at least assure you of a soft landing if you do get laid off. Your foremost priority must be to trust in God’s faithfulness; in (Deuteronomy 30:9-10) we read; “The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do… The Lord will delight again in being good to you… If you obey His voice.” Your first strategy therefore has to be your integrity The word in (Proverbs 21:5-6) says: “Good planning and hard work leads to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.” (1) take heed of this Scripture and endeavour to make yourself as indispensable as possible. Strive for integrity and excellence in your work, while learning as much as possible about procedures and processes beyond your area of responsibility. Be willing to help others – although not at the expense of your own effectiveness. (2) embrace the Biblical principle of authority and submission. The buck stops with the person in charge. So, determine to submit to anything asked of you that is not illegal or immoral. When possible confirm the instructions from your boss with a follow-up email including your feedback on the potential outcome. Always speak with respect. Be willing to go the extra mile. Don’t make excuses or try to cover up for poor workmanship. Getting along with your Boss is crucial, make doing so your special project. (Titus 2:9) says “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back.” (3) Know your marketability: Are you in a field with a strong demand for your skills, or do you need to educate yourself to upgrade them? If you want a raise or promotion on the job, you must be willing to invest the time and effort to do what’s necessary in order to achieve them. “ (Proverbs 10:4) tells us “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Always remain conscious of the fact that you are a representative of Jesus Christ, (Psalm 5:12) tells us “With favour you will surround him” To have job security: (1) Increase your own visibility in your particular industry. Establish contacts and relationships with others outside your company by attending industry events whenever possible. Your goal should not merely be to get by but to develop your skills so that you’ll get noticed and get ahead. Then when the time is right and you are ready, God will open doors for you. The above psalm says “You Oh Lord will bless the righteous; with favour you will surround him as with a shield.” (2) Maintain a divine perspective on your job; Remind yourself that it’s not the source of your security but one of many channels God can use to provide for you. Read the story of Elijah the prophet and how God miraculously provided for him through a raven, a brook and a single mum with just enough food for one meal at a time. God also used four different streams to water the Garden of Eden. So when you have an unmet need or a financial shortfall, ask Him to reveal different streams of income to you. Stand on these two promises (a) Philippians 4:19} “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” and (b) Timothy 1:7) “God has not given us a spirit of fear (of loosing your job) but of power and of love and of sound mind.” Fear and faith are powerful forces that seek to rule your life, one will take you in the wrong direction, the other in the right direction. So strengthen your faith by reading God’s Word, by praying and entrusting the outcomes of your life to Him. (Philippians 4:13) tells us “I can do ALL thing in Christ who strengthens me.” Loosing your job can be devastating. This is when you must keep the right perspective. Having less, doesn’t make you a lesser person. God still values you. And you must keep valuing yourself. The Christian life is one of trial and triumph. Paul writes in (Philippians 4:12-13) “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” So, what should you do if you do get unemployed? Reduce your expenses to the bare minimum. That may mean getting the bus or train or even walking to town instead of using your car, making your lunch instead of buying it or waiting until you get home for that coffee instead of dropping into your favourite cafe. You will be surprise how much you save by cutting these expenses out. Take the stigma out of being unemployed. Don’t presume that people think less of you because you’ve lost your job. People generally respond to your situation the same way you do. +They will find your enthusiasm about your next move inspiring – even though you may not yet know what it is. And we all know (Romans 8:28) “All things work out for good for those who love God and are called to His purposes.” Getting thrown in to prison, led Joseph to becoming Prime Minister of Egypt. Deuteronomy 23:5) “The Lord your God turned the curse in to a blessing for you, because The Lord God loves you.” Your God can reveal talents within you. And connections around you and open a door to a level of blessing and success you never dreamed of so trust Him, and believe your best days are ahead of you. Thank you for reading these thoughts on “Job Security” God will always reward an Honest, Pure and Humble heart. So keep yours that way, and you too I’m sure, will find a way into His Honest, Pure and Humble Heart....That has been my experience of finding the way to the heart of my Saviour.. God bless you all Phaline.

160. LEARN TO LISTEN TO GOD John 16:13.

In (John 16:12-13) We read about Jesus talking to His disciples this way: “I have much more to say to you, but right now, it would be more than you could understand. The Spirit shows what is true and what is to come and He will guide you into the full truth”. Jesus spoke these words to the men He had just spent the previous three years with. Now, wouldn’t you think if Jesus was with us here in person, day and night for three years, we would have learned all there is to know. Not so!, In fact, Jesus tells us to stay tuned because He always has something to say to us about every situation we face, but there are certain things He will only reveal to you and me when He knows we are ready to handle them God wants to speak to you and me on a one-to-one bases, to lead us step-b-step in to the good things He has in store for us, He cares about the tiniest details of our lives. So never hesitate to take what you consider small things to Him, after all, everything is small to God. He cares about the desires of your heart. He wants to reveal truth to us,that will set us free. From fear and worry. God’s plan to share an intimate relationship with you was in place long before you were born. In (Acts 17:26-27) scripture says “He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so they would seek Him” Now think about it: If God planed your life in such minute detail even before you were born isn’t it important that you learn how to listen to Him.? People think they can’t hear from God, when, in reality, there are things they already know He wants them to respond to and so far they haven’t done them. The quicker we do whatever the Lord has told us to do, the sooner He will reveal the next step to us. In (Isaiah 1:19) His promise is “If you willingly obey me, the best… will be yours” Hearing from God is something you only develop with practise – especially if you are a talker! That’s why He says in (Psalm 46:10) “Be still and know that I am God.” Our flesh is full of energy, we always want to be doing something, and it can be difficult for us to be still. So don’t only talk to God when you need something, spend time listening. He will open up many issues if you will just be still before Him. I think I can hear many of you say “I don’t think I have ever heard God talking to me” Maybe that’s just because you haven’t learned to listen. When you ask God for something, tune in your “receiver” Even if He doesn’t respond at that very moment, rest assured that He will in due time. You may be doing some ordinary task at the time when He speaks, but speak He will, just keep alert. If you honour God by learning to listen as you fellowship with Him, He will speak to you at exactly the right time. Perhaps you have spent years going your own way, if so don’t despair; If you are willing to obey God, He will guide you on the exciting journey of learning to hear from Him every day of your life. When you pray diligently and believe you have heard from God, and then start asking other people what they think. You are honouring their opinion above God’s. This kind of mindset can prevent you from developing a relationship where you can constantly hear from Him. You need to trust God. If you have made bad decisions in the pas this can be difficult. But you must learn to listen to God without constantly needing reassurance from others. The Bible says in (1 John 2:27) “The anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, it is true, and is not a lie, and is just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him” That doesn’t mean you and I don’t need teaching and instruction when it comes to understanding God’s word; it means we have God’s Spirit living inside us and that He will guide and direct us personally, we may need to ask somebody for advice from time to time, but we needn’t constantly go to other people asking them about decisions we are making for our own lives. If you are ever going to develop the ability to listen to God and be led by His Spirit, you must start by making your own decisions – and trust what the wisdom of God has put in your heart. The Devil wants you and me to think we are not capable of hearing from God. Don’t believe him. The Holy Spirit who dwells inside you will give you confidence, comfort and counsel for your life, so learn to listen to Him. Now, you need to pay attention to this; God’s direction will often be followed by a season of preparation. And the length of that season is determined by the size of the assignment God is giving you. So when God speaks to you, it’s not always wise to rush out and tell people. ..Who wouldn’t have wanted to tell people about the amazing experience Paul had with Jesus on the Damascus Road? And there would come a right time for Paul to do that - but not right then. So don’t move until God gives you the green light. Why? 2 reasons; 1. You need time, maturing and equipping so that the word you have received can take root within you and grow, and be fulfilled in the way God wants. 2. Sometimes God takes time to prepare the hearts of those to whom He is sending you. Paul writes in (Galatians 1:16-18) “When all this happened to me, I didn’t go at once and talk it over with anyone else; I didn’t even consult with...the apostles...it was not until three years later that I finally went to Jerusalem”Paul knew that people would find his calling unbelievable, considering from where he had come, and he had the wisdom to wait. He allowed God to go ahead of him and orchestrate the circumstances. And while he was waiting, he allowed the word he had received to grow in him as he made necessary changes in his own life. Then and only then, did he start doing the things he had been called to do. Paul didn’t try to convince anybody. He let God do that. And the end result was..(Galatians 1:24) “They praised God for what had happened to me”. I hope this helps all who read it to understand just how important it is to listen, hear and carry out God’s will and instructions. Don’t be afraid, God is a good God, He wont give you anything you can’t handle Trust Him and He will take you on the exciting journey of making His will known to the world. Thank you for reading my thoughts on the subject of “Learning to Hear God”. God bless and may His Holy Spirit guide you in to all God’s truth. My, how we need it. Phaline. ----------------------------